South Cook News

On Dec. 17, yet another Illinois state trooper was involved in a crash at night with a suspected drunk driver, renewing scrutiny on penalties for DUI in Illinois. 

Just before midnight, the trooper pulled his car over on the Dan Ryan to carry out a DUI investigation.  During the time the car was parked, the trooper turned on the emergency lights. Alontae Holliday, 25, crashed his Nissan into the ISP vehicle, causing it damage, CBS Chicago reported.  

State Senator Dan McConchie took to Facebook to speak out on behalf of the officer. 

“This ISP Trooper, who is a part of Chicago’s Anti Violence Detail, was hit last night by an intoxicated driver" McConchie said in a post to his Facebook account. "Fortunately, the officer is okay, but it could have been much more tragic. Our law enforcement officers put themselves on the line for us every…single…day.  Let’s keep them in our prayers and keep standing up for them!”

Holliday is from Matteson and is now facing several criminal charges such as a DUI, speeding, and violating Scott’s Law, which is a law mandating that drivers must reduce their speed and move over to the side of the road when they encounter emergency vehicles, according to CBS Chicago. The ISP officer did not have significant injuries. As of now in 2021, 22 Illinois State Police vehicles have been crashed into by other drivers, with 13 ISP troopers facing injuries on the job in these car crashes.

Despite this ongoing problem, first-time DUI offenders in Illinois do not always receive jail time in sentencing. Community service and fines of up to $2,500 are often substitute penalties. Statistically, 75% of people arrested for DUIs are men with 57% being under the age of 35, and a majority of DUI arrests take place during the hours of 11 p.m. and 4 a.m.